Edwin L. Wiegand, a self-taught engineer from Pittsburgh, PA, had always shown an intense curiosity in electrical conductivity. In his makeshift laboratory off his family’s dining room, Wiegand experimented with ways to encapsulate the fragile and sometimes dangerous “open coil” heat technology of the time in a dielectric. This led to his groundbreaking patent in 1915 of a resistance-heating element embedded in an insulating refractory and enclosed in a metal sheath. On this technology, he founded Chromalox in 1917 and began producing the strip heater for what would become the modern electric clothes iron.

The next few decades were a boom period for Chromalox as electricity became a part of more homes and manufacturing plants. Heat and controls became integrated into systems, and Edwin Wiegand’s numerous patents found many applications in both the residential and commercial markets.

World War II created an enormous demand for portable heat on land and sea. Chromalox joined the war effort, and continues to be an integral supplier to military and aerospace.

Over the past half century, the ever-changing energy sector has opened up many areas for growth. Chromalox was the first supplier of pressurized heaters used in nuclear power plants and submarines. And as the world began shifting from fossil fuels to electric products, Chromalox has kept up with an ever-expanding portfolio of products and services around the globe.

1920's

With about 100 employees, the company moved from downtown Pittsburgh to a new plant in the suburbs (Homewood). As demand increased, Chromalox developed new materials and processing methods. The company took a giant step forward when electrical grade granular magnesium oxide (MgO) became available as insulation in tubular products.

- The company focused on general industrial applications and transportation markets.

1950's

When nuclear power became popular in the mid-fifties, Chromalox was the first to supply pressurizer heaters for nuclear power plants and nuclear submarines. Developing products for new applications like these expanded the standard industrial heater line.

- Major footprint expansion of factories in California and Pittsburgh.

- Primary focus on military and defense markets.

1960's

During the space age, Chromalox was the major supplier to the manufacturers of support equipment. Chromalox achieved another “First” when a strip heater landed on the moon. In 1969, the Apollo 11 lunar module used a strip heater in the electronic control box of a fuel triggering device.

Key Events

- First to supply NASA with liquid nitrogen vaporizers for purging the launch pad fuel systems for rocket ignition.

- First circulation heater used in life saving application for operating room blood warming device.

1970's

Chromalox expanded into global markets by acquiring two manufacturing facilities, Grimwood in England, and Etirex in France. In 1977, Chromalox Industrial Controls was born with the purchase of Rosemount Temperature Controls in LaVergne, TN. The controls product lines were diversified and expanded, positioning Chromalox as a leader in the industry. The gas shortage leads to unprecedented demand for electric products.

Key Events

- First in the Space Shuttle Program with circulation heater and controls to purge nitrogen gas at launch.

- Introduced new flexible tank heating product line.

- Launched patented explosion-proof comfort air heaters.

- Introduced new track switch heaters for rail transportation.

- Expanded presence in the UK with acquisition of Bray and Grimwood in 1971.

- Further penetrated the European market with the acquisition of Etirex France in 1972.

- Chromalox Industrial Controls was born with the purchase of Rosemount Temperature Controls.

- Launched new custom control line for OEM applications.

1980's

Global changing economic conditions opened new markets for Chromalox products.

1990's

Changing economic conditions in the Far East opened new markets for Chromalox products. Additional manufacturing and engineering facilities were obtained with the acquisitions of Bray and Eltron in England. Chromalox became the world's most technologically advanced electric heating equipment producer. This global expertise provided unchallenged capabilities to meet stringent third-party and local code approvals throughout the world. In 1993, Chromalox opened a regional sales office in Hong Kong to aggressively pursue Asian markets. Global trade increases and US manufacturing struggles to remain competitive. World Wide Web changes commerce.

- The Big Red Book is launched as technical document and product catalog.

- Expanded North America presence with acquisition of Ogden.

2000's

The decade began with the transfer of ownership from Emerson Electric Co. to J.P. Morgan Partners. Chromalox remained resilient in the industry by capitalizing on its design expertise and excellent reputation for high quality. With the purchase of Ogden Manufacturing Company in 2003, Chromalox strengthened its component heater manufacturing business and distribution network in the United States. To remain competitive during a strong economic downturn, the company expanded its manufacturing facility in Nuevo Laredo Mexico and consolidated operations in the U.S. by moving many production lines to to a new, larger facility in La Vergne, TN. Asian markets remained a strategic focus with the opening of a direct sales office in Shanghai, China. Demand for oil and gas grows worldwide, as well as the creation of new markets in renewable energy resources.

2010's - Present

Chromalox continues to expand its international presence with the opening of direct sales offices in India, Thailand, Germany, Singapore, and Dubai. These offices have positioned the company to respond to the growing power generation industries in those regions of the world. Demand for oil and gas accelerators and energy sector continues to expand.

Today, Chromalox is owned by Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc, which specializes in the control and efficient use of steam, and in peristatic pumping and associated fluid path technologies. Through investment in capital resources, quality control, supply-chain management, and customer service, Chromalox is strategically positioned for future growth. Our continued focus is on engineering innovative heaters and controls of the highest quality for our customers, just as Edwin L. Wiegand did more than 90 years ago.